Cardiac Diagnostic Services

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

The electrocardiogram (EKG) is a non-invasive test of the electrical activity of the heart. It records the electrical currents that cause contraction of the heart muscle. The electrocardiogram can confirm or discount the clinical diagnosis in determining ventricular enlargement. It can also perform the following:

Determining the cardiac mechanism

Indicating the presence of myocardial change, in particular, myocardial death resulting from coronary occlusion

Indicating the presence of myocardial injury and ischemia, as in angina pectoris

Showing the effects and effectiveness of cardiac medications, such as digitalis and its derivatives

Showing the presence of right or left ventricular hypertrophy

Presenting evidence of defects in the conduction of impulses in the heart

Indication of myocardial disease of general nature

Establishing etiology, anatomic and physiologic cardiac diagnosis and prognosis when considered along with other clinical data

Aiding in the treatment of cardiac disease

To observe pacemaker performance

Patient Risk Factors

None.

Other Information

Sometimes an EKG may reveal abnormal waveforms only during episodes of symptoms,
such as angina or during exercise.